Ford Motor Company invited us to preview the 2024 Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor before its formal introduction. To do so, they flew us into Detroit (DTW), fed us, and put us up at Ford Ranger School. We arrived at Camp Woodbury shortly after landing, eager to be among the first to see the new Midsize 2024 Ford Ranger and the eagerly anticipated Ford Ranger Raptor. For 2024, the Ranger has been redesigned and is prepared to lead the way for those willing to lace up their hiking boots, hop on a bike, hit a trail, or even camp by a lake. It’s the perfect truck for those who want to leave city life behind.
These looks could kill. Well, maybe.
The redesigned Ford Ranger is more muscular and sleeker in appearance, resembling its big brother, the F-150. The Ranger has been designed with the North American consumer in mind. With apologies to Sir Mix-A-Lot, “We like big trucks, and we cannot lie.”
More Power equals more capabilities
The 2024 Ford Ranger will offer two engine variants: a 2.3 liter Ecoboost four-cylinder making 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.7 Liter Ecoboost V6 delivering 316 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Both are paired with a 10-speed automatic select-shift transmission or available shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system built for on-demand off-roading and other low-traction capability.
To power your weekend adventures, the 2024 Ford Ranger was tested in harsh climates in Australia, to brutal testing conditions in North America, and cold temperature testing in New Zealand.
More than the competition
Thanks to more power under the hood, the new Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,805 pounds. Ford offers available Trailer Reverse Guidance and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing a trailer as easy as turning a knob. No more fights when checking the brake lights as the truck offers Trailer light confirmation and Trailer Navigation.
Choices
The new Ranger will be available in four trim levels: base XL, XLT, Lariat, and the powerful Raptor. Speaking of the Raptor, we recently tested the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor in the Arizona desert. The new Ranger will be available in four trim levels: base XL, XLT, Lariat, and the powerful Raptor. Speaking of the Raptor, we recently tested the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor in the Arizona desert. This model is a smaller version of the high-performing F-150 Raptor. Like its larger counterpart, the off-road-ready Ranger features flared fenders, durable tires, increased ground clearance, and a distinctive grille. Its standard twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine produces 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. While it shares the same fully boxed ladder frame as the regular Ranger, the Raptor has a long-travel suspension for navigating jumps and various drive modes for optimal off-road performance. If you want to experience being surgically removed from your seat, switch to sport mode, where the Raptor accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
This model is a smaller version of the high-performing F-150 Raptor. Like its larger counterpart, the off-road-ready Ranger features flared fenders, durable tires, increased ground clearance, and a distinctive grille. Its standard twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine produces 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. While it shares the same fully boxed ladder frame as the regular Ranger, the Raptor has a long-travel suspension for navigating jumps and various drive modes for optimal off-road performance. If you want to experience being surgically removed from your seat, switch to sport mode, where the Raptor accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
Each trim level includes a unique grill and front-end treatment. Each model starts with a bar grille flowing into C-Clamp headlights, functional fender vents, sculpted doors, and available side steps beneath the rear fender, which can support up to 300 pounds of weight.
Wider Hips
The Ford Ranger sports new wider hips. The wheelbase and track have both grown by two inches to provide more bed space and improved stability. The rear shock mounts have been moved outboard of the frame rails for improved ride and control. All trim models have improved ground clearance. It remains agile enough to navigate tight corners on and off the trail.
A familiar Ranger-stamped tailgate opens to reveal a useful bed, which now accommodates 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood thanks to the truck’s extra bed width. The cab will be offered exclusively as a four-door crew cab. This redesigned model will only be available in a 5-foot box. Oh, one other thing: The Ranger Supercab is a thing of the past.
More tech, more storage, and unique features
The 2024 Ford Ranger has improved the second-row storage with under-seat rear cargo bins and large in-cabin storage bins to stash more stuff. The XLT and higher models include 12v and 120v outlets in the back of the bed. Connecting your Dometic (Cq) cooler is now easier than ever. A new zone lighting system is included and is ideal for camping, as it can illuminate four zones around the vehicle’s exterior and be controlled from inside the cabin. Overlanders will enjoy the ability to see around the campsite after sunset.
The Ranger’s cabin is spacious and sports a more modern look with an 8-inch or 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch or 12.1-inch infotainment system, which features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and 4G connectivity.
The display screen shows an assortment of camera views and a dedicated off-road display. Speaking of off-road, the Ranger can be equipped with locking rear differential and trail control system. Basically, it is off-road cruise control that keeps you moving at slow speeds so you can focus on steering.
The 2024 redesigned Ford Ranger is engineered for epic adventures.
